a tech junkie from Hong Kong

Came across this awesome multi-purpose swiss knife iPhone case on Indiegogo, the ReadyCase. The case itself comes with either a 8GB or 16GB USB drive, kickstand, lens ring, headphone clip and a multi-tool (blade, opener, screwdriver)….hmm… am I missing anything here? and the best part is the case is less than 3mm thick. Check it out on Indiegogo, only 9 days left to pledge if you want one. Even better is there’s a iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5 version. The ReadyCase Indiegogo Page here.

These rumored new Apple iPhone Earbuds were all over the internet the past day or so, check it out. I for one still prefer an in-ear design but this is still a major step forward for the guys at Apple considering how many years they have stood by the old design.

It’s finally here, the all new Phottix Atlas II is now available in Hong Kong via my studio, PASM Workshop (authorized Phottix dealer).

The Phottix Atlas II is the professional choice for reliable wireless flash triggering. Say goodbye to transmitters and receivers to trigger flashes, studio lights, and cameras – one remote will do it all. The Atlas II triggers flashes at sync speeds of up to 1/250 sec.* The system will trigger cameras, flashes and studio lights at distances of 350 meters or more.

The Phottix Atlas II is a transceiver. With the simple change of a switch the Atlas II is ready to either transmit or receive signals. Simplify your off-camera flash triggering – one unit can be used as a transmitter or receiver.

Triggering flashes is only one of the Phottix Atlas II functions. It can also be used, with Phottix Accessory Cables, as a wired or wireless shutter release. It now features a two stage shutter button – a half-press will autofocus, a full press takes a photo.

The Atlas II is compatible with Phottix Strato and Odin series TTL triggers. It fits in perfectly with Phottix’s existing line-up, allowing the power and freedom of a long-range transceiver. With its new functions. the Atlas II is not compatible with the original Phottix Atlas trigger.

With a hot shoe and two 3.5mm sync ports on the transceiver, the Phottix Atlas II can be used to easily trigger hot shoe flashes and studio lights*. Cables and adapters are included. The Atlas II uses readily available AA batteries and has a 5V DC power port.

The Phottix Atlas II uses a digital IC and radio signals to reliably fire flashes, studio lights and cameras at long ranges. Need to trigger a flash from 1,100 feet away? The Atlas II is the wireless trigger for you. The high-powered Atlas has both FCC and CE wireless certification.

The Phottix Atlas II comes in two different packings, a single pack (1 trigger) and a dual pack (2 triggers). PASM Workshop is offering great discounts to its members.

10 more days to go and the Nifty MiniDrive have generated over US$300,000 in pledges on Kickstarter. Is the Nifty MiniDrive the true alternative storage solution for your MacBook Air/Pro? Watch the following video and judge it yourself.

The guys at SoloMatrix actually put out three variations of the Spike. The Spike1, Spike 2 and Spike 3.

Spike¹ is a combination keyboard and protective case that can be easily and securely installed in a matter of seconds. You can effortlessly rotate the bottom section of the case with the keyboard, to the back or the front of the iPhone, for storing in either typing or full-screen mode. We’ve also hinged the keyboard, so you’ll always have quick access to the full-screen even when typing.

This model is priced in the same range as the majority of ordinary iPhone cases. This means that even for many users that don’t feel they need a keyboard, it is so affordable that it’s tough to pass up. And once they try it, they’ll soon realize the advantages of real tactile keys even though they feel they are proficient typing on the touchscreen.

Spike²is our premium version keyboard and case combination. It differs from Spike¹ in user convenience features and overall appearance. Its industrial-strength case not only protects your iPhone, but incorporates a unique and specially-designed asymmetrical 360 degree hinge. This hinge enables you to quickly toggle the keyboard on and off the screen for full-screen access while you are typing. In addition, it also allows you to fold and stow the keyboard in a flush pocket in the rear of the case when you’ve finished typing and return to the full touchscreen to run all those apps that you will probably never use more than once or twice. At a touch of your fingers, it can instantly be brought to the front to bang out a quick text message, email, or even type your first novel comfortably! And to make sure you are always in style, it features a beautiful, brushed metal accent band around the perimeter of the case.

Our Limited Edition Spike³is for those of you that appreciate the very best. Similar in design to Spike², but with an all-aluminum, antenna-neutral case including the TypeSmart keyboard that is easily stowed out of the way when not needed. We are CNC machining these right here in the USA from aerospace grade aluminum and anodizing them in at least two great colors, Neutron Gray and KickStarter Green, we anticipate a couple more anodized colors to come. To make it truly personal for you or someone special, we’ll custom engrave up to 30 letters on the back of the case.

Photographers can wirelessly trigger TTL flashes, retaining full TTL functions, as well as remotely control power and flash zoom settings. Shooting with off-camera TTL flash has been made incredibly easy.

The Phottix Odin TTL Trigger consists of an on-camera transmitter and control unit (TCU) and receiver units for compatible hot shoe flashes.

The Odin offers photographers four wireless channels and three flash control group designations. Flashes can be controlled in traditional Nikon TTL ratio modes A:B with EV +/- adjustments of three stops.

What makes the Phottix Odin unique is the ability to designate groups in TTL/Mixed mode. Individual groups, A, B, C, can also be controlled in TTL mode with EV +/- adjustments. Groups can also be set to Manual mode, adjusting power levels remotely, or turned off.

Zooming ahead
Flash head zoom can be set to be dynamically adjusted as photographers adjust their lenses. Flash zoom can also be easily adjusted manually and set statically from 24 to 105 mm. The Phottix Odin system will also trigger compatible non-TTL flashes and studio strobes.

Compatible with the Phottix Strato series
The Phottix Odin TTL Flash Trigger for Nikon is compatible with with Phottix Strato 4-in1 and Phottix Strato II Multi 5-in-1 Wireless Triggers. Current Phottix users will have no problem adding the Odin to their current triggering systems. As the world of cameras and flashes is always changing the Photix Odin system can be upgraded when needed using the built-in USB ports.

Specs and Pricing
The four-channel, 2.4 GHz, transmitter and receiver units work at ranges of more than 100 meters and accept AA batteries. Phottix Odin TTL Flash Trigger sets with a TCU and Receiver will be available, as will as individual receivers.

To order yours, please email to sales@pasmworkshop.com. Members of PASM will be able to enjoy up to 10% off list price. The Phottix Odin for Nikon will arrive at PASM Workshop at or around 20 June 2012, order yours now before it’s too late as we have very limited stock for the first shipment. For those out of Hong Kong, we take international orders as well. Email us for details.

Tip: pricing is comparable to the Phottix Odin for Canon which is listed on our PASM e-Store page.

Beta Test

We completed the beta test and the Phottix Odin for Nikon works great fine with the most of the Nikon models and Nikon flashes including the new D800/D4/SB900.

Check out this hot little gadget, the Fostex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4/4S (US$119.99) which enables you to record video with stereo sound or use it as a recording device using external mics or line in. Initial reviews indicated that it works pretty well with iPhone 4 but not the iPhone 4S as users reported that some statics are picked up with the iPhone 4S. Hope they can come up with an updated app to solve the problem. You can get it from B&H now and the link is here.

Now, does this look geeky or what? Check out the Feinger, an easy to use accessory that allows you “Hands Freedom™.” and never drop your mobile device again! The Feinger easily attaches to any smartphone, cell phone, handheld gaming device, and 99% of other handheld devices. Once attached, The Feinger allows you to pop & lock your device to your hand, around your neck, on your arm, car, home, or office. More information here on their website.

Features -

Remotely controlled from your iPad, iPhone, or web browser. Swipe your finger across the screen or move your mouse to control the movement of the Galileo and your device.

SDK (software developers kit) for app development. Freedom to integrate Galileo functionality into existing apps or to create entirely new apps built around the movement capabilities of Galileo. Or build software to integrate the Galileo with other hardware (e.g. camera rails).

Outfitted with a standard tripod screw, the Galileo can be mounted on any tripod.

Fabulous charging station for your iPhone or iPod.Charges your device while plugged in (USB cable included).

The Galileo’s initial pledge of US$100,000 has long already been met, with 13 days left, the pledge total now stands at US$444,633 and growing fast. For US$85, this gadget is a sure steal. Check out more details and pledging information at their Kickstarter page here, Kickstarter Galileo Page

Yet another great Kickstarter project. Bendi is an iPad stand exactly like no other stand, and probably the only one you’ll need. Bendi works wherever you want it to work: on a table, on your desk, in the car, or in a meeting. It even works with all the major tablets, not just the iPad. Bendi comprised of three parts, a strong suction device to hold the iPad, a bendable arm and either a magnetic (cost extra) or clamp base to suit your needs. The Bendi is seeking a pledge goal of US$5,000 on Kickstarter and have so far doubled that already. The lowest pledge for a Bendi is US$55, is that worth it? you be the judge. For more details, head over to their Kickstarter page linked here and check out the following video.

The Glif for iPhone is back and this time around the guys behind Glif, Studio Neat, is introducing the +pack add-ons for the original Glif. The add-ons includes the Serif and the Ligature, watch the video for more details. Indeed a great idea for Christmas presents.

Well, for those who miss that tactile feel when typing with an iPad, check out the TouchFire Keyboard on Kickstarter which will start shipping this December. The project has a funding goal of US$10,000 and has now achieved the US$36,728 pledged funds, meaning that this project is a success. For a US$45 pledge , you will get a keyboard, a storage case and a pair of cover clips, all in black. Up one notch, for a US$80 pledge, you will get two 2 keyboards in black and white, 2 storage cases and 5 pairs of cover clips in colors that complement the iPad Smart Covers and of course there are other more expensive exclusive type packages which you can check out on their Kickstarter page. Check them out, great Christmas present for sure.

For those who loves shooting video on your iPhone, ever picture yourself shooting with your iPad 2? Makayama’s iPad 2 Movie Mount (US$69.95) is to be released in October this year. From the video, it sure looks sweet with the slide on-the-fly between the built-in lens and the conversion lens, the ability to mount shotgun mics, video light and the optical viewfinder. That together with the iPad app and with the mount double up as a monitor stand when in upright position surely justifies the price tag. The only downside I see it is not with the mount itself but with the under-par camera on the iPad 2. What are your thoughts?

Web Wednesday – Hong Kong
Tidbits of news about the Internet and digital media in Hong Kong. Brought to life by a lively monthly networking event, held at Lotus Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in central Hong Kong on the first Wednesday of every month. Do pop along to the next event